2027: Power Rotation Is Not Constitutional Decree — Atiku Fires Back at Presidency

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has accused the presidency of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to undermine democratic principles and silence opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The claim was made by Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement posted on X on Thursday.

This follows comments by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who, while reacting to Atiku’s live interview on Arise TV, insisted that President Tinubu “must complete eight years” in office in line with the North-South power rotation arrangement.

Onanuga argued that since a northern president has already served two terms, it is now the South’s turn to retain power until 2031.

The position has drawn criticism from opposition figures who describe it as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Responding, Shaibu said: “Dear @aonanuga1956, let me tell you clearly: no presidential aide, no matter how loud or reckless, has the authority to rewrite the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or reduce democracy to a regional entitlement scheme.

“Power rotation is a political convention, not a constitutional decree and certainly not a tool to silence credible opposition.

“This tired attempt to bully @atiku out of the race reeks of fear, not principle.

“The same people who shredded zoning within their own party when it suited them now pretend to be its custodians. Hypocrisy has never worn such a cheap costume,” he stated.